Q&A on Serums, Visine Tricks & What Works

by Eddie

(New York)

Visine eye drops next to under-eye serum for puffy eyes

Question from Eddie (New York):

I read on the EDS forum that some women mix a drop of Visine with their Instant Eye Tuck Serum, and they say it works even better to reduce puffiness without flaking. Does that really help? And if so, why wouldn’t they just add that ingredient to the serum?

Here’s what one user shared:

“Visine Eyedrops. The Original Formula. I use it on clean, dry skin — and save the illuminating cream for nighttime. It’s amazing that just one drop of Visine can make such a BIG difference in tucking those fatty deposits. I’ve had great results this way, with no dryness or flaking at all.”

Editor’s Reply:

Hi Eddie, great question. I’ve heard about this trick from readers too, but I haven’t found a good reason to recommend mixing Visine with an eye-tightening serum. Visine is made for use in the eyes, not as an under-eye skincare ingredient, and the skin around the eyes can be sensitive.

What I have found with instant eye-tightening serums is that application matters a lot. Too much moisturizer, oil, or product underneath can interfere with how evenly the serum dries and tightens.

Personally, I do better with a very light layer of moisturizer or sunscreen, let it absorb completely, and then apply a small amount of tightening serum. Using less product usually gives me a smoother result with less flaking or residue.

If you want more help with these formulas, I’ve put together a guide to instant eye tighteners and how they compare.

My Under Eye Lift Solution

by Linda

(Georgia)

puffy under eye – before and after

What Helped My Puffy Eyes and Fine Lines (After Laser and Creams Didn’t Work)

I’ve had tiny lines under my eyes since my early 20s.

I tried just about every cream on the market, and several makeup consultants told me if I didn’t do something soon, I’d end up with real under-eye issues later on.

I’ll admit it—I tanned a lot in my teens and didn’t use sunscreen. I’ve changed that now, but the lines and puffiness stuck around.

I even tried laser skin resurfacing. It wasn’t fun. The recovery took about three weeks, I had to stay out of the sun, and after all that, the lines eventually came back.

Maybe some of it is genetic. But over the years, I’ve found two things that have helped me keep my under-eye area looking better:

1. Facial exercises for the eye area. I usually do them about twice a week, and they’ve been part of my routine for years.
2. Temporary eye-tightening serums. I’ve tried a lot of them, including Sudden Change way back in the 80s. Some left a white crust or made my under-eye skin look dry and crepey. For years, Easy Eye Solutions was the one I used most consistently because it was more flexible on my skin.

These products aren’t perfect for everyone, and application makes a big difference. Sometimes using too much is what causes flaking, residue, or an overly tight look.

I’ve since tested several newer formulas too. If you want to see the different options and how they work, take a look at my guide to instant eye tighteners.

You can also see more of my experience with puffiness, including the products I’ve tested, in my under-eye puffiness guide.

No more bags under the eyes anymore thanks to my under eye treatment

by C.C.

(Atlanta, Ga.)

my before and after picture for under eye bags

Under-Eye Bags? This Serum Worked Well for Me

Got bags under your eyes? I’ve tried so many creams and treatments over the years, but this one worked well enough that I wanted to share my results.

I started using this under-eye bag treatment in 2012 and had consistently good results with it. It smoothed the area under my eyes without the dryness, flaking, or overly tight feeling I’d experienced with some other serums. It also seemed to help the look of my dark circles a little.

That said, I still tried new products now and then, just in case I found something I liked better. But for a long time, I kept coming back to this one.

Why I Kept Searching

Like a lot of women, I was always looking for a better under-eye fix. The difference in how I looked when my eyes weren’t puffy or swollen was noticeable to me. Some mornings were worse than others, so I kept experimenting with different products.

The Problem with Some Under-Eye Bag Treatments

A lot of instant eye serums can feel drying or leave flakes, residue, or a crepey-looking finish if too much is used. I tried quite a few over the years, and some looked good at first but didn’t wear as well once I smiled or moved my face.

Some also left a film that made the skin under my eyes look drier.

Why Easy Eye Solutions Worked for Me at the Time

The Easy Eye Solutions Instant Eye Tuck and Dark Circle Treatment was the one I used most consistently for years. It’s no longer available, but at the time I liked it because it was more fluid and flexible than many of the thicker tightening serums I had tried.

I could use it over fully absorbed moisturizer or eye cream, as long as my skin was dry before applying it.

If I used too much, thinning it with a tiny drop of water sometimes helped. I also learned over time that using a very small amount gave me a smoother result.

How It Worked for Me

• I applied it to clean skin or over fully absorbed moisturizer
• I let it dry and settle before touching the area
• If I used too much, I dabbed it down and reapplied a smaller amount
• I found that a grain-of-rice-sized amount was usually enough

It took a little experimenting, but once I figured out the right amount for my skin, I was happier with the result.

Final Thoughts on Under-Eye Serums

Under-eye bags and puffiness can have different causes, so no temporary serum works the same way for everyone. These products can temporarily smooth or tighten the appearance of the area, but they won’t permanently correct structural fat pads or other underlying causes.

Editor’s Note:

Easy Eye Solutions is no longer available, so I’ve since tested other under-eye products that are still on the market. You can see the ones I’ve tried, along with my results and comparisons, on my under-eye puffiness page.

If you want a broader look at how these temporary tightening formulas work, you can also see my guide to instant eye tighteners.

Looking for an eye solution that works instantly?

Linda testing instant eye-tightening products for under-eye puffiness

Instant Eye Fixes for Allergy Season: What Worked Best for Me

With allergy season here, I’m always looking for an instant eye solution to smooth that tired, puffy under-eye look. Concealer can help a little, but when the puffiness is noticeable, I’ve found that an instant eye-tightening serum can make a bigger temporary difference.

Over the years, I’ve tested quite a few of these products on my own eyes. Some worked well, while others were too drying or left my under-eye area looking flaky or crepey.

At the time I originally wrote this, I compared three options: Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX, Instantly Ageless, and Easy Eye Solutions Instant Eye Tuck Serum.

I even experimented with mixing some of them together, but that didn’t work very well for me.

When I added a tiny amount of FirmX to the Eye Tuck Serum, I still ended up with a white film across my lower lids. Instantly Ageless wasn’t as drying on me, but after a few hours I noticed some cracking and peeling.

I also tried blending Instantly Ageless with the Eye Tuck Serum, but the textures didn’t mix smoothly. Instantly Ageless was thicker and more paste-like, while the Eye Tuck Serum was much more fluid.

Easy Eye Solutions is no longer available, but I’ve continued testing newer products that are still on the market. You can see the ones I’ve tried, along with my personal results, on my under-eye puffiness page.

If you’re trying to figure out which type of formula might work best for you, I also have a broader guide to instant eye tighteners, including how these products work and some of the differences between them.

And if you’re especially interested in Peter Thomas Roth compared with Plexaderm, you can see my real-life testing here: Plexaderm vs Peter Thomas Roth.

Under-eye bags vs. puffiness: When is surgery the right choice?

Under-eye puffiness that remained after lower eyelid surgery

Under-Eye Bags and Surgery: What I Learned From My Own Experience

Question: I was wondering if under-eye surgery will help my problem. I have very flat eyes and deep bags under the lower eyelids that never go away. — Patti

My reply: Hi Patti, if the fullness under your eyes is there all the time rather than coming and going, it may be worth having an eye surgeon or other qualified medical professional take a look at what’s actually causing it.

I had lower eyelid surgery in my 40s because I had persistent puffiness from fat pads under my eyes. The surgery helped, but it didn’t completely eliminate the puffiness on one side. That’s one reason I eventually started experimenting with temporary under-eye tightening products too.

One thing I’ve learned is that not every bulge or puff under the eyes is the same. If the fullness sits lower on the cheekbone rather than directly under the lower eyelid, it may be worth reading my malar bags vs. festoons guide so you can see the difference.

For puffiness directly under the eyes, I’ve also tested several products that temporarily smooth or tighten the area. You can see the ones I’ve tried that are still available on my under-eye puffiness page.

I also did a real-life comparison of two popular tightening products on my own eyes: Plexaderm vs. Peter Thomas Roth.

Bottom line: Surgery helped me, but it didn’t completely solve everything. The right option really depends on what is causing the fullness in the first place, which is why I’d want that identified before deciding on a treatment.

How to fix tired and puffy eyes?

by C.J.

(Orlando)

Still Tired-Looking at 45? What Can Help Puffy Eyes

Question from C.J.:

I’m 45, in great health, I exercise regularly, eat well, and get plenty of sleep. But no matter what I do, my eyes always look tired—and the puffiness won’t go away. People constantly ask if I’m OK or if I didn’t sleep well, even when I feel fine.

I’ve tried all the classic home remedies: cucumbers, Preparation H, cold spoons, tea bags… nothing works. I really don’t want surgery, but I’m wondering—are there any products out there that actually help? Or am I stuck with this for life?

My reply:

C.J., I completely understand. Sometimes the tired look around the eyes has very little to do with how much sleep you’re getting.

If the puffiness changes from day to day, things like fluid retention, allergies, salt, or sleep position can make it look worse. If the fullness stays in the same place all the time, there may be more of a structural component, such as prominent under-eye fat pads.

For a quick cosmetic fix, I’ve had the best luck with temporary eye-tightening products. They don’t fix the cause of puffiness, but some can smooth the area for several hours when applied correctly.

I’ve tested several current options on my own eyes. You can see the products I’ve tried, along with my results, on my under-eye puffiness page.

I also did a side-by-side wear test of two popular formulas. You can see that here: Plexaderm vs. Peter Thomas Roth.

If your eyes look especially puffy in the morning, I also have a page with quick fixes for puffy eyes.

The main thing is figuring out whether your puffiness comes and goes or stays there all the time. That can help you decide whether simple lifestyle changes, a temporary tightening product, or a conversation with a qualified professional makes the most sense.

Natural Anti-Aging Tips for Eyes and Neck

by Pamela

(AU)

Linda’s eye-area progress while using facial exercises

Still Doing Carolyn’s Facial Fitness? My Personal Update

Question from Pamela:

I was just wondering if you’re still doing Carolyn’s Facial Fitness program? I found her site through your 8-week neck firming challenge. I also wanted to ask—how’s your neck progressing?

My reply:

Hi Pamela, yes, I continued using Carolyn’s Facial Fitness routine. I originally started it because I was especially interested in my neck, jawline, and the sagging lines around my lower face.

Over time, I felt that my neck and jawline looked firmer, although the changes were gradual. Taking photos along the way was especially helpful because small changes can be hard to notice from day to day.

If you want to see more of that part of my experience, you can read my sagging neck skin progress update.

I also worked on the eye area as part of my facial exercise routine. You can see more about the exercises and what I noticed on my eye wrinkle treatment page.

And if you’re interested specifically in Carolyn’s program and my overall experience with it, I have a separate Carolyn’s Facial Fitness review.

So yes—I kept using the program, but I’d think of the changes as gradual rather than an overnight fix.

Eye Swelling

Can anyone recommend a product that can help with some under-eye swelling and puffiness?

I’ve always been careful with the skin around my eyes—no tugging, always using creams made for the eye area, applying with my ring finger, and wearing sunscreen. But no matter what I do, the puffiness isn’t going away. I’ve tried everything: cold cucumbers, wheat-germ oil, expensive creams, under-eye patches—you name it. Some mornings, the swelling lasts well into the afternoon.

Now, on top of that, I’m starting to see fine lines and crepey texture forming directly under my eyes. I’m only 48, and I can’t imagine what it’ll look like in another 10 years!

I really want to avoid surgery and can’t afford fillers, so I’m looking for something I can try at home.

Thanks,

C.J.

Editor’s Update:

Hi C.J.,

I’ve dealt with under-eye puffiness for many years too, so I understand why you’re looking for something that helps without jumping straight to surgery or fillers.

One thing I’ve learned is that puffiness and crepey texture don’t always respond to the same thing. A temporary eye-tightening product may smooth the look of puffiness for a few hours, but if the skin underneath is dry or crepey, some formulas can actually make that texture look more noticeable.

I’ve tested several under-eye products on my own eyes, including ones that are still available now. You can see those results on my under-eye puffiness page.

If the crepey texture is becoming just as bothersome as the swelling, I’d also read my crepey skin under the eyes guide. That page focuses specifically on dryness, fine texture, and what can make the area look more crinkled.

And if you want a temporary tightening option, I also have a guide to instant eye tighteners that explains how these formulas work and some of the common problems, like flaking or residue.

The biggest thing I’d watch is whether the swelling changes throughout the day or stays in exactly the same place all the time. If it’s persistent or getting worse, it’s worth having a qualified medical professional look at it so you know what’s causing the fullness before spending money on treatments.

Tired of Puffy Eyes Every Morning? Try These Tricks

by Glenda

(Florida)

Morning under-eye puffiness

Question from Glenda:

Hi Linda,

I’m wondering if you have any home remedies for under-eye bags or puffiness. Something that really works.

But please don’t tell me about cold spoons or tea bags—because we both know those don’t do much!

My under-eye area looks the worst in the morning and doesn’t really improve until late afternoon. I feel like I spend half the day looking exhausted. Is there anything I can do to prevent that puffiness in the first place?

Thanks,

Glenda

Editor’s Update:

Hi Glenda,

I know exactly what you mean. My under-eye puffiness has always been worse in the morning too, and I’ve found that prevention helps me more than most of the usual quick home remedies.

A few simple things I pay attention to are how I sleep, what I eat and drink later in the evening, and what I put around my eyes before bed.

What helps me:

• I try not to sleep on the side where my puffiness tends to look worse.
• I watch salty foods and alcohol later in the evening because I notice they can make my morning puffiness look more noticeable.
• I avoid piling on heavy eye products right before bed.
• I apply my nighttime skincare early enough that it has time to settle before I go to sleep.

None of these completely eliminates puffiness for me, but together they can make my mornings a little easier.

If you want more ideas for morning puffiness and longer-term habits, I go into much more detail on my How to Reduce Puffy Eyes page.

And if you want a faster cosmetic fix, I’ve personally tested several products that temporarily tighten and smooth the under-eye area. You can see the ones I’ve tried on my under-eye puffiness page.

Eye Tuck Serum online too expensive. Is there an alternative?

by Amy

Easy Eye Solutions Instant Eye Tuck Serum — an older product that is no longer available

Question from Amy:

Hi,

I read about the instant eye tuck serum that’s only sold online. I really want to try something like that to help with my puffy eyes, but it’s about $70.00 for a small bottle. I don’t think I can afford that.

Can you suggest something else that might help me? I’m 40 years old and have had puffy eyes since my twenties. Also, I have really dry skin and need to use a heavy moisturizer—especially around the eyes.

I tried the Garnier Instant Eye Smoother cream. It made the area look a little less wrinkled, but it didn’t help with puffiness and felt greasy. It also balled up throughout the day.

Please don’t suggest cucumbers or tea bags—I’m over that! They’ve never worked for me, and I just don’t have the time. I work two jobs and have three teenagers!

Anyway, thanks for your help.

—Amy

Editor’s Update:

Hi Amy,

This question is an older one, and the Easy Eye Solutions serum I originally recommended is no longer available.

I’ve continued testing instant eye-tightening products since then, and one thing I’ve learned is that dry under-eye skin can make these formulas harder to use. Too much moisturizer underneath may interfere with the tightening effect, but applying them to very dry skin can sometimes make flaking or crepey texture more noticeable.

For me, the best approach is a very light layer of moisturizer, letting it absorb completely, and then using only a small amount of the tightening product.

If you want to see the under-eye products I’ve tested that are still available, take a look at my under-eye puffiness page. I compare several options there and share how they worked on my own eyes.

I also did a real-life comparison of two popular formulas. You can see my results here: Plexaderm vs Peter Thomas Roth.

And for a broader look at these products, see my guide to instant eye tighteners.

Hope this helps, Amy!